![bento 4 section lunch box bento 4 section lunch box](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/579fce31-a315-4d00-bff3-3a88364c1dcb_1.bf26acc9c17695a589477db403e4ad16.jpeg)
The aisai bento, or “bento made by loving wives”, is exactly what it sounds like. Upon opening the lunchbox, he may find an embarrassing design, a box filled with nothing but corn, or a meal that is entirely inedible, such as uncooked rice and a raw egg. The “revenge lunchbox” is a passive yet effective way a wife can give her husband a very unpleasant surprise during his lunch break. You know you have done something wrong if you get one of these. Aside from keeping things patriotic, the plum also acts as a natural preservative to keep the meal fresh. Like the flag, this meal is elegant in its simplicity the base is white rice topped with a single red umeboshi (pickled plum) to represent the sun, with a side dish of meat or fish. Literally, “circle of the sun”, hinomaru refers to the Japanese flag and symbol of Japan. Onigiri (triangular rice balls) and maki-zushi rolls are standard fare in a koraku bento. Like many traditional Japanese dishes, the items included in the lunchbox are chosen deliberately to reflect the season in which it was prepared.
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They are especially common during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season in late March and early April. Translating to “picnic lunchbox” in Japanese, these large bento are made to be shared among a small group. This style of bento was originally served in Kabuki theaters as a meal for actors and audience members in between acts. One side of the box contains a rice dish while the other holds small side dishes. Prepared by a caterer, these are the two-section bento boxes typically found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores. These are the most common types of bento boxes in Japan: Marukonouchi Bento There are various types of bento, each with its own purpose and appropriate setting. Traditionally, the mother of the family prepares the meal for her kids and husband, though today bento boxes are often purchased from convenience stores and restaurants. The Japanese are known for their ability to make use of every last bit of space, and lunchboxes are no exception–the meal is packed neatly and tightly into small square or rectangular shape, making it easy for children and busy office workers to transport. The meal typically includes rice, meat or fish, and pickled vegetables. A proper bento lunch is crafted with care and should be a complete meal with a variety of tastes, textures, and food groups. What separates it from the ham sandwich and soda many of us carried in a Spiderman lunchbox in elementary school is the attention to detail and the balance of the ingredients.
![bento 4 section lunch box bento 4 section lunch box](https://www.auspoints.com.au/assets/alt_51/DLINE-8805.jpg)
Put simply, a “bento” or “bento box” is a Japanese lunchbox.